U.S. patent application number 15/796188 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for apparatus and method of processing medical image.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Gil-ju JIN, Yu-ri KIM, Sun-mo YANG.
Application Number | 20180046846 15/796188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55272314 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180046846 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANG; Sun-mo ; et
al. |
February 15, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PROCESSING MEDICAL IMAGE
Abstract
An apparatus for processing medical images includes a storage
unit storing fingerprints that respectively correspond to a
plurality of functions, a user input unit detecting a fingerprint
of a user, and a controller performing a function corresponding to
the detected fingerprint, from among the functions.
Inventors: |
YANG; Sun-mo;
(Hongcheon-gun, KR) ; JIN; Gil-ju; (Hongcheon-gun,
KR) ; KIM; Yu-ri; (Hongcheon-gun, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD. |
Hongcheon-gun |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
Hongcheon-gun
KR
|
Family ID: |
55272314 |
Appl. No.: |
15/796188 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14994256 |
Jan 13, 2016 |
9818019 |
|
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15796188 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 8/54 20130101; G06K
9/00087 20130101; A61B 8/00 20130101; A61B 8/467 20130101; G06F
21/32 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101; G06F 3/011 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; A61B 8/00 20060101 A61B008/00; G06F 21/32 20130101
G06F021/32; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 7, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0096779 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for processing medical images, the apparatus
comprising: a storage configured to store fingerprints that
respectively correspond to a plurality of functions; a user input
unit configured to detect a fingerprint of a user; and a controller
configured to perform a function corresponding to the detected
fingerprint, from among the functions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display
configured to display guide information that is related to the
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user input unit comprises
a touch screen, and the touch screen displays, at a point where the
fingerprint of the user is detected, guide information related to
the function corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the functions comprise at
least one of a freeze function, a time gain compensation (TGC)
adjustment function, and a Doppler related function.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user input unit comprises
at least one of a key button, a knob button, a trackball, and a
dial touchpad.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when a first fingerprint of
the user is detected, the controller performs a first function
corresponding to the first fingerprint from among the functions,
and when a second fingerprint of the user is detected, the
controller performs a second function corresponding to the second
fingerprint from among the functions.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein when the first and second
fingerprints are detected, the controller performs a third function
from among the functions.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint is a function of
adjusting a value, the controller adjusts the value according to a
rotation direction and a rotation angle of the detected
fingerprint.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the detected fingerprint
is a first fingerprint, the controller increases or decreases the
value by a first value when the first fingerprint rotates by a
predetermined angle, and when the detected fingerprint is a second
fingerprint, the controller increases or decreases the value by a
second value when the second fingerprint rotates by a predetermined
angle.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user input unit detects a
user input for rotating the detected fingerprint, and the
controller performs a function that is different from the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint according to a rotation
direction and a rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
11. A method of operating an apparatus for processing medical
images, the method comprising: storing fingerprints that
respectively correspond to a plurality of functions; detecting a
fingerprint of a user; and performing a function corresponding to
the detected fingerprint, from among the functions.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying guide
information that is related to the function corresponding to the
detected fingerprint.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the displaying of the guide
information comprises displaying, at a point where the fingerprint
of the user is detected, guide information related to the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the functions comprise at least
one of a freeze function, a time gain compensation (TGC) adjustment
function, and a Doppler related function.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint comprises, when a first
fingerprint of the user is detected, performing a first function
corresponding to the first fingerprint from among the functions,
and when a second fingerprint of the user is detected, performing a
second function corresponding to the second fingerprint from among
the functions.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint further comprises, when
the first and second fingerprints are detected, performing a third
function from among the functions.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint comprises, when the
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint is a function of
adjusting a value, adjusting the value according to a rotation
direction and a rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adjusting of the value
comprises, when the detected fingerprint is a first fingerprint,
increasing or decreasing the value by a first value when the first
fingerprint rotates by a predetermined angle, and when the detected
fingerprint is a second fingerprint, increasing or decreasing the
value by a second value when the second fingerprint rotates by a
predetermined angle.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting a user
input for rotating the detected fingerprint, and performing a
function that is different from the function corresponding to the
detected fingerprint according to a rotation direction and a
rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having
recorded thereon a program, which, when executed by a computer,
performs the method of claim 11.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/994,256, filed on Jan. 13, 2016, which
claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2015-0096779, filed on Jul. 7, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of
processing medical images, and more particularly, to an apparatus
and method of processing medical images, in which various functions
are performed using fingerprints of a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses transmit ultrasound signals
generated by transducers of a probe to an object and receive echo
signals reflected from the object, thereby obtaining at least one
image of an internal part of the object (e.g., soft tissues or
blood flow). In particular, ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses are
used for medical purposes including observation of the interior of
an object, detection of foreign substances, and diagnosis of damage
to the object. Such ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses provide high
stability, display images in real time, and are safe due to the
lack of radioactive exposure, compared to X-ray apparatuses.
Therefore, ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses are widely used
together with other image diagnosis apparatuses including a
computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) apparatus, and the like.
[0004] The ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses may provide a
brightness (B) mode in which reflection parameters of ultrasound
signals that are reflected from an object are shown as
2-dimensional (2D) images, a Doppler mode in which an image of a
moving object (in particular, blood flow) is shown by using the
Doppler effect, and an elastic mode in which a difference between
applying and not applying compression onto an object is shown via
an image.
SUMMARY
[0005] Provided are an apparatus for processing medical images
which stores fingerprints corresponding to various functions, and
when a fingerprint of a user is detected, performing a function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint, and a method of
operating the apparatus.
[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the presented
exemplary embodiments.
[0007] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus for processing medical images includes a storage
configured to store fingerprints that respectively correspond to a
plurality of functions, a user input unit configured to detect a
fingerprint of a user, and a controller configured to perform a
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint, from among the
functions.
[0008] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a display
configured to display guide information that is related to the
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
[0009] In an embodiment, the user input unit includes a touch
screen, and the touch screen displays, at a point where the
fingerprint of the user is detected, guide information related to
the function corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
[0010] In an embodiment, the functions include at least one of a
freeze function, a time gain compensation (TGC) adjustment
function, and a Doppler related function.
[0011] In an embodiment, the user input unit includes at least one
of a key button, a knob button, a trackball, and a dial
touchpad.
[0012] In an embodiment, when a first fingerprint of the user is
detected, the controller performs a first function corresponding to
the first fingerprint from among the functions, and when a second
fingerprint of the user is detected, the controller performs a
second function corresponding to the second fingerprint from among
the functions.
[0013] In an embodiment, when the first and second fingerprints are
detected, the controller performs a third function from among the
functions.
[0014] In an embodiment, when the function corresponding to the
detected fingerprint is a function of adjusting a value, the
controller adjusts the value according to a rotation direction and
a rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
[0015] In an embodiment, when the detected fingerprint is a first
fingerprint, the controller increases or decreases the value by a
first value when the first fingerprint rotates by a predetermined
angle, and when the detected fingerprint is a second fingerprint,
the controller increases or decreases the value by a second value
when the second fingerprint rotates by a predetermined angle.
[0016] In an embodiment, the user input unit detects a user input
for rotating the detected fingerprint, and the controller performs
a function that is different from the function corresponding to the
detected fingerprint according to a rotation direction and a
rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
[0017] According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a
method of operating an apparatus for processing medical images
includes storing fingerprints that respectively correspond to a
plurality of functions, detecting a fingerprint of a user, and
performing a function corresponding to the detected fingerprint,
from among the functions.
[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes displaying
guide information that is related to the function corresponding to
the detected fingerprint.
[0019] In an embodiment, the displaying of the guide information
includes displaying, at a point where the fingerprint of the user
is detected, guide information related to the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint.
[0020] In an embodiment, the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint includes, when a first
fingerprint of the user is detected, performing a first function
corresponding to the first fingerprint from among the functions,
and when a second fingerprint of the user is detected, performing a
second function corresponding to the second fingerprint from among
the functions.
[0021] In an embodiment, the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint further includes, when
the first and second fingerprints are detected, performing a third
function from among the functions.
[0022] In an embodiment, the performing of the function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint includes, when the
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint is a function of
adjusting a value, adjusting the value according to a rotation
direction and a rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
[0023] In an embodiment, the adjusting of the value includes, when
the detected fingerprint is a first fingerprint, increasing or
decreasing the value by a first value when the first fingerprint
rotates by a predetermined angle, and when the detected fingerprint
is a second fingerprint, increasing or decreasing the value by a
second value when the second fingerprint rotates by a predetermined
angle.
[0024] In an embodiment, the method further includes detecting a
user input for rotating the detected fingerprint, and performing a
function that is different from the function corresponding to the
detected fingerprint according to a rotation direction and a
rotation angle of the detected fingerprint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the invention now will be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which reference numerals denote structural elements.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for processing
medical images, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for processing
medical images, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams of a user input unit of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of assigning
functions to fingerprints of a user, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0030] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0032] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a method of assigning a
function to a combination of at least two fingerprints, according
to an exemplary embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for describing a method of
adjusting values by using a fingerprint of a user, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0035] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams of an example in which
different functions are performed according to a direction of a
fingerprint detected by an apparatus for processing medical images
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example in which different
functions are performed as a fingerprint detected by an apparatus
for processing medical images rotates, according to an exemplary
embodiment; and
[0037] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method of operating an apparatus
for processing medical images, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The terms used in this specification are those general terms
currently widely used in the art in consideration of functions
regarding the inventive concept, but the terms may vary according
to the intention of those of ordinary skill in the art, precedents,
or new technology in the art. Also, some terms may be arbitrarily
selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning of the
selected terms will be described in detail in the detailed
description of the present specification. Thus, the terms used
herein have to be defined based on the meaning of the terms
together with the description throughout the specification.
[0039] Throughout the specification, it will also be understood
that when a component "includes" an element, unless there is
another opposite description thereto, it should be understood that
the component does not exclude another element and may further
include another element. In addition, terms such as " . . . unit",
" . . . module", or the like refer to units that perform at least
one function or operation, and the units may be implemented as
hardware or software or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0040] Throughout the specification, an "image" may refer to
multi-dimensional data including discrete image components. For
example, an image may include, but is not limited to, a medical
image (an ultrasound image, a computed tomography (CT) image, or a
magnetic resonance (MR) image) of an object obtained by an
ultrasound apparatus, a CT apparatus, or an MRI apparatus.
[0041] Furthermore, an "object" may be a human, an animal, or a
part of a human or animal. For example, the object may be an organ
(e.g., the liver, the heart, the womb, the brain, a breast, or the
abdomen), a blood vessel, or a combination thereof. Also, the
object may be a phantom. The phantom means a material having a
density, an effective atomic number, and a volume that are
approximately the same as those of an organism. For example, the
phantom may be a spherical phantom having properties similar to a
human body.
[0042] An ultrasound image may refer to an image obtained by
transmitting ultrasound signals generated by a transducer of a
probe to an object and receiving echo signals reflected from the
object. The ultrasound image may be at least one of, for example,
an amplitude (A) mode image, a brightness (B) mode image, a color
(C) mode image, and a Doppler (D) mode image. Also, according to an
exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image may be a 2-dimensional
(2D) image or a 3-dimensional (3D) image.
[0043] The CT image may refer to a synthesized image of a plurality
of X-ray images that are obtained by capturing an object while
rotating about at least one axis of the object.
[0044] The MR image may refer to an image of an object obtained
based on the MRI principle.
[0045] Throughout the specification, a "user" may be, but is not
limited to, a medical expert, for example, a medical doctor, a
nurse, a medical laboratory technologist, or a medical imaging
expert, or a technician who repairs medical apparatuses.
[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In
this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and
should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set
forth herein.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 for processing
medical images, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may include a user input unit 110, a
controller 120, and a storage 130.
[0048] The storage 130 according to an exemplary embodiment may
store fingerprints that respectively correspond to a plurality of
functions performed to process the medical images. The functions
may include, but is not limited to, a Doppler image photography
function (a color Doppler image photography function or a power
Doppler image photography function), a pulse wave measurement
function, a freeze function, a time gain compensation (TGC)
adjustment function, a focus selection function, a parameter
measurement function, a storage function, an S-Detect function, and
an E-Breast function.
[0049] The storage 130 may respectively match the functions to
fingerprints of a user and store the fingerprints. For example, a
fingerprint corresponding to a first function among the functions
may be set as a thumb fingerprint of a first user, a fingerprint
that corresponding to a second function may be set as an index
finger fingerprint of the first user, and a fingerprint
corresponding to a third function may be set as a middle finger
fingerprint of the first user. Alternatively, a fingerprint
corresponding to a fourth function may be set as a thumb
fingerprint of a second user, and a fingerprint corresponding to a
fifth function may be set as an index finger fingerprint of the
second user. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited
thereto.
[0050] The user input unit 110 may include a fingerprint sensor to
detect the fingerprint of the user. Also, the user input unit 110
may detect a user input for rotating the detected fingerprint.
[0051] The user input unit 110 may include, for example, a touch
screen, a touch panel, a key button, a knob button, a trackball, a
dial, and a slide bar.
[0052] The touch screen and the touch panel are input devices via
which the user may input information by touching. The key button
generates manipulation signals by pressing a button. The knob
button generates manipulation signals corresponding to a direction
depending on which of up, down, left, and right keys of the knob
button is pressed. The trackball generates manipulation signals
according to a rotation of the ball. The dial generates
manipulation signals according to a rotation of the dial. The slide
bar generates manipulation signals as a protruding part is moved
along a track.
[0053] The controller 120 may control overall operations of the
apparatus 100. The controller 120 according to the exemplary
embodiment may perform a function that corresponds to a fingerprint
detected by the user input unit 110. For example, when the user
input unit 110 detects a first fingerprint, the controller 120 may
perform a first function that corresponds to the first fingerprint,
and when the user input unit 110 detects a second fingerprint, the
controller 120 may perform a second function that corresponds to
the second fingerprint. Alternatively, when the first fingerprint
and the second fingerprint are detected at the same time by the
user input unit 110, the controller 120 may perform a third
function.
[0054] Also, when a function corresponding to a detected
fingerprint is a function of adjusting a value, the controller 120
may adjust the value according to a rotation direction and a
rotation angle of the detected fingerprint. For example, when the
detected fingerprint is a first fingerprint, the controller 120 may
increase or decrease the value by a first value when the first
fingerprint rotates by a predetermined angle. Alternatively, when
the detected fingerprint is a second fingerprint, the controller
120 may increase or decrease the value by a second value when the
second fingerprint rotates by a predetermined angle.
[0055] Also, the controller 120 may perform a function that is
different from a function corresponding to a detected fingerprint
according to a rotation direction and a rotation direction of the
detected fingerprint.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus 200 for processing
medical images, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 according to the
exemplary embodiment may be an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus. The
ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200 may include a probe 20, an
ultrasound transceiver 215, an image processor 250, a communication
module 270, a display 260, a memory 280, an input device 290, and a
controller 295, which may be connected to one another via buses
285.
[0058] The storage 130 of FIG. 1 may correspond to the memory 280
of FIG. 2, the user input unit 110 of FIG. 1 may correspond to the
input device 290 of FIG. 2, and the controller 120 of FIG. 1 may
correspond to the controller 295 of FIG. 2. The features of the
components (110, 120, and 130) described with reference to FIG. 1
may also be applied to respective components (280, 290, and 295) of
FIG. 2. Therefore, the identical features will not be repeatedly
described herein.
[0059] In some embodiments, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200
may be a cart type apparatus or a portable type apparatus. Examples
of portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses may include, but are
not limited to, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS)
viewer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), and a tablet PC.
[0060] The probe 20 transmits ultrasound waves to an object 10 in
response to a driving signal applied by the ultrasound transceiver
215 and receives echo signals reflected by the object 10. The probe
20 includes a plurality of transducers, and the plurality of
transducers oscillate in response to electric signals and generate
acoustic energy, that is, ultrasound waves. Furthermore, the probe
20 may be connected to the main body of the ultrasound diagnosis
apparatus 200 by wire or wirelessly, and according to embodiments,
the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200 may include a plurality of
probes 20.
[0061] A transmitter 210 supplies a driving signal to the probe 20.
The transmitter 110 includes a pulse generator 212, a transmission
delaying unit 214, and a pulser 216. The pulse generator 212
generates pulses for forming transmission ultrasound waves based on
a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and the
transmission delaying unit 214 delays the pulses by delay times
necessary for determining transmission directionality. The pulses
which have been delayed correspond to a plurality of piezoelectric
vibrators included in the probe 20, respectively. The pulser 216
applies a driving signal (or a driving pulse) to the probe 20 based
on timing corresponding to each of the pulses which have been
delayed.
[0062] A receiver 220 generates ultrasound data by processing echo
signals received from the probe 20. The receiver 120 may include an
amplifier 222, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 224, a
reception delaying unit 226, and a summing unit 228. The amplifier
222 amplifies echo signals in each channel, and the ADC 224
performs analog-to-digital conversion with respect to the amplified
echo signals. The reception delaying unit 226 delays digital echo
signals output by the ADC 1124 by delay times necessary for
determining reception directionality, and the summing unit 228
generates ultrasound data by summing the echo signals processed by
the reception delaying unit 1126. In some embodiments, the receiver
220 may not include the amplifier 222. In other words, if the
sensitivity of the probe 20 or the capability of the ADC 224 to
process bits is enhanced, the amplifier 222 may be omitted.
[0063] The image processor 250 generates an ultrasound image by
scan-converting ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound
transceiver 215 and displays the ultrasound image. The ultrasound
image may be not only a grayscale ultrasound image obtained by
scanning an object in an amplitude (A) mode, a brightness (B) mode,
and a motion (M) mode, but also a Doppler image showing a movement
of an object via a Doppler effect. The Doppler image may be a blood
flow Doppler image showing flow of blood (also referred to as a
color flow image), a tissue Doppler image showing a movement of
tissue, or a spectral Doppler image showing a moving speed of an
object as a waveform.
[0064] A B mode processor 241 extracts B mode components from
ultrasound data and processes the B mode components. An image
generator 255 may generate an ultrasound image indicating signal
intensities as brightness based on the extracted B mode components
241.
[0065] Similarly, a Doppler processor 242 may extract Doppler
components from ultrasound data, and the image generator 255 may
generate a Doppler image indicating a movement of an object as
colors or waveforms based on the extracted Doppler components.
[0066] According to an embodiment, the image generator 255 may
generate a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image via
volume-rendering with respect to volume data and may also generate
an elasticity image by imaging deformation of the object 10 due to
pressure.
[0067] Furthermore, the image generator 255 may display various
pieces of additional information in an ultrasound image by using
text and graphics. In addition, the generated ultrasound image may
be stored in the memory 280.
[0068] The display 260 displays the generated ultrasound image. The
display 260 may display not only an ultrasound image, but also
various pieces of information processed by the ultrasound diagnosis
apparatus 200 on a screen image via a graphical user interface
(GUI). In addition, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200 may
include two or more displays 260 according to embodiments.
[0069] The display 260 may include at least one of a liquid crystal
display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic
light-emitting diode display, a flexible display, a 3D display, and
an electrophoretic display.
[0070] When the display 260 and a user input unit form a layer
structure and configured as a touch screen, the display 260 may be
not only used as an output device, but also as an input device for
the user to input information by touch.
[0071] The touch screen may be configured to detect not only a
touch input location, and a touched area, but also pressure of the
touch. Also, the touch screen may be configured to detect not only
real-touch but also proximity touch.
[0072] The display 260 according to the exemplary embodiment may
display guide information related to a function corresponding to a
fingerprint detected by the input device 290. Also, when the
display 260 is configured as a touch screen, the guide information
related to the function may be displayed at a point where the
fingerprint is detected.
[0073] The communication module 270 is connected to a network 30 by
wire or wirelessly to communicate with an external device or a
server. The communication module 270 may exchange data with a
hospital server or another medical apparatus in a hospital, which
is connected thereto via a PACS. Furthermore, the communication
module 170 may perform data communication according to the digital
imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) standard.
[0074] The communication module 270 may transmit or receive data
related to diagnosis of an object, e.g., an ultrasound image,
ultrasound data, and Doppler data of the object, via the network 30
and may also transmit or receive medical images captured by another
medical apparatus, e.g., a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, or an X-ray apparatus.
Furthermore, the communication module 270 may receive information
about a diagnosis history or medical treatment schedule of a
patient from a server and utilizes the received information to
diagnose the patient. Furthermore, the communication module 270 may
perform data communication not only with a server or a medical
apparatus in a hospital, but also with a portable terminal of a
medical doctor or patient.
[0075] The communication module 270 is connected to the network 30
by wire or wirelessly to exchange data with a server 32, a medical
apparatus 34, or a portable terminal 36. The communication module
270 may include one or more components for communication with
external devices. For example, the communication module 270 may
include a local area communication module 271, a wired
communication module 272, and a mobile communication module
273.
[0076] The local area communication module 271 refers to a module
for local area communication within a predetermined distance.
Examples of local area communication techniques according to an
embodiment may include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband (UWB),
infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and
near field communication (NFC).
[0077] The wired communication module 272 refers to a module for
communication using electric signals or optical signals. Examples
of wired communication techniques according to an embodiment may
include communication via a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an
optical fiber cable, and an Ethernet cable.
[0078] The mobile communication module 273 transmits or receives
wireless signals to or from at least one selected from a base
station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile
communication network. The wireless signals may be voice call
signals, video call signals, or various types of data for
transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages.
[0079] The memory 280 stores various data processed by the
ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200. For example, the memory 180 may
store medical data related to diagnosis of an object, such as
ultrasound data and an ultrasound image that are input or output,
and may also store algorithms or programs which are to be executed
in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200.
[0080] The memory 280 may be any of various storage media, e.g., a
flash memory, a hard disk drive, EEPROM, etc. Furthermore, the
ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 100 may utilize web storage or a
cloud server that performs the storage function of the memory 280
online.
[0081] The memory 280 according to the exemplary embodiment may
store fingerprints of the user that respectively correspond to
functions in the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200. A first
fingerprint of a first user and a second fingerprint of a second
user may be matched with an identical function and stored.
Alternatively, the first fingerprint (e.g., a thumb fingerprint of
the first user) and a third fingerprint (e.g., a middle finger
fingerprint of the first user) of the first user may be matched
with an identical function and stored.
[0082] The input device 290 refers to a means via which a user
inputs data for controlling the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 50.
The input device 290 may include hardware components, such as a
keypad, a mouse, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a jog switch.
Also, the input device 290 may include a fingerprint sensor and
detect the fingerprints of the user. The input device 290 may
further include any of various other input units including an
electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring module, a respiration measuring
module, a voice recognition sensor, a gesture recognition sensor,
an iris recognition sensor, a depth sensor, a distance sensor, etc.
In particular, the input device 290 may include a touch screen in
which the touch pad and the display 260 form a mutual layer
structure.
[0083] The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200 according to an
exemplary embodiment may display an ultrasound image of a
predetermined mode and a control panel related to the ultrasound
image on the touch screen. Also, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus
200 may detect a touch gesture of the user related to the
ultrasound image via the touch screen.
[0084] From among buttons included in a control panel of a typical
ultrasound apparatus, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200
according to an exemplary embodiment may physically include some
buttons that are frequently used by the user and provide other
buttons in a graphical user interface (GUI) form via the touch
screen.
[0085] The controller 295 may control all operations of the
ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 200. In other words, the controller
295 may control operations among the probe 20, the ultrasound
transceiver 200, the image processor 250, the communication module
270, the memory 280, and the input device 290 shown in FIG. 1.
[0086] All or some of the probe 20, the ultrasound transceiver 215,
the image processor 250, the display 260, the communication module
270, the memory 280, the input device 290, and the controller 295
may be implemented as software modules. However, embodiments of the
present invention are not limited thereto, and some of the
components stated above may be implemented as hardware modules.
Also, at least one of the ultrasound transmission/reception unit
215, the image processor 250, and the communication module 270 may
be included in the control unit 295; however, the inventive concept
is not limited thereto.
[0087] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams of the user input unit 110 of
FIG. 1.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the user input unit 110 may
include a key button, a knob button, a trackball, a dial, etc. For
example, when the user touches a key button 310 by using a finger,
the key button 310 may detect a fingerprint of the user by using a
fingerprint sensor. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the
user touches a key button 321 by using a finger, the touched key
button 321 may detect a fingerprint of the user by using a
fingerprint sensor. The user input unit 110 may include a
fingerprint sensor even when including the knob button, the
trackball, and the dial.
[0089] Also, the user input unit 110 may include a touch screen.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the user touches
touch screens 331 and 332, the touch screens 331 and 332 may detect
the fingerprint of the user by using fingerprint sensors. In this
case, the touch screens 331 and 332 may detect the fingerprint of
the user in all areas or only in some predetermined areas.
[0090] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of assigning
functions to fingerprints of a user, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, functions may be assigned to each
fingerprint of the first user. For example, the apparatus 100 may
assign a first function F1 to a baby finger fingerprint 411 of the
first user, a second function F2 to a ring finger fingerprint 412,
a third function F3 to a middle finger fingerprint 413, a fourth
function F4 to an index finger fingerprint 414, and a fifth
function F5 to a thumb fingerprint 415. The functions assigned to
the fingerprints of the user may be set according to user settings.
The set functions may be matched with the fingerprints and stored
in the storage 130.
[0092] Also, the apparatus 100 may assign functions to each
fingerprint of the second user. In this case, the functions may be
different from or the same as those assigned to the fingerprints of
the first user. For example, the fifth function F5 may be assigned
to a baby finger fingerprint 421 of the second user as the thumb
fingerprint 415 of the first user, the third function F3 may be
assigned to a middle finger fingerprint 423 as the middle finger
fingerprint 413 of the first user, and the fourth function F4 may
be assigned to an index finger fingerprint 424 as the index finger
fingerprint 414 of the first user. Also, a sixth function F6 may be
assigned to a ring finger fingerprint 422 of the second user, and a
seventh function F7 may be assigned to a thumb fingerprint 425. The
apparatus 100 may match the fingerprints with the functions
assigned to each of the fingerprints and store the matched
fingerprints.
[0093] The apparatus 100 may match the fingerprints to an identical
function and store the matched fingerprints. For example, as shown
in FIG. 4, the fifth function may be matched with the thumb
fingerprint 415 of the first user and the baby finger fingerprint
421 of the second user.
[0094] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0095] The apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment may
include a first apparatus 100a for processing medical images and a
second apparatus 100b for processing medical images.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 5A, when the user touches a first key
button 510 by using an right hand index finger, the first key
button 510 may detect a fingerprint of the right hand index finger
of the user by using a fingerprint sensor. The first apparatus 100a
may display guide information related to a function corresponding
to the detected fingerprint on a display. For example, when a
function corresponding to the fingerprint of the right hand index
finger of the user is set to the TGC adjustment function, the
apparatus 100 may display a TGC adjustment menu 530 on the display.
The TGC adjustment menu 530 may include, for example, a menu for
selecting shapes of TGC curves and a menu for setting a TGC value
according to a depth of an image. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, when
the user touches a second key button 540 by using the thumb, the
second key button 540 may detect a thumb fingerprint of the user by
using a fingerprint sensor. When a function corresponding to the
thumb fingerprint of the user is set to a B mode image display
function, the second apparatus 100b may display a B mode image menu
545 on a display. For example, a B mode image menu 545 may include,
but is not limited to, a harmonic function, a pulse inv function, a
trapezoidal function, an M line function, a dual live function, an
agile digital video recorder (ADVR) function, a Doppler image
photography (C-Mode) function, and a power Doppler image
photography (PW-Mode) function.
[0097] The harmonic function is for configuring a screen by only
using harmonic components of frequencies in a B mode image. The
pulse inv function is for configuring a screen by scanning two
times to completely remove fundamentals other than the harmonic
components of frequencies in the B mode image and thereby obtaining
a harmonic image. The trapezoidal function is for converting a
linear image into a trapezoidal image. The M line function is for
setting a line for obtaining an M mode image. The dual live
function is for simultaneously displaying a 2D image and a color
Doppler image, or simultaneously displaying a 2D image and a power
Doppler image. The ADVR function is for real-time storage of a
certain area of an image displayed on a display in a DVD format by
using a built-in recorder in an apparatus for processing medical
images, without an additional external DVD recorder, and
reproducing the stored image. The color Doppler image photography
function is for capturing a color Doppler image that shows blood
flow via color. The power Doppler image photography function is for
capturing a power Doppler image that shows velocity of blood flow
in waveforms.
[0098] Also, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the user touches the second
key button 540 by using the right hand index finger, the second key
button 540 may detect the fingerprint of the right hand index
finger of the user by using the fingerprint sensor. When a function
corresponding to the fingerprint of the right hand index finger of
the user is set to the TGC adjustment function, the second
apparatus 100b may display a TGC adjustment menu 560 on the
display. The TGC adjustment menu 560 may include, for example, a
menu for setting a TGC value according to a depth of an image.
[0099] Function-fingerprint matching information stored in the
first apparatus 100a may be also stored in the second apparatus
100b. For example, the first apparatus 100a may set the fingerprint
of the right hand index finger of the user to the TGC function and
store this information. Then, the first apparatus 100a may transmit
function-fingerprint matching information (e.g., TGC
function-fingerprint of the right hand index finger) to the second
apparatus 100b. The second apparatus 100b may store the
function-fingerprint matching information transmitted from the
first apparatus 100a. Accordingly, as in the first apparatus 100a,
the TGC function may be set to the fingerprint of the right hand
index finger of the user in the second apparatus 100b.
[0100] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the user touches a touch screen
610 by using a left hand index finger, the touch screen 610 may
detect a fingerprint of the left hand index finger of the user by
using a fingerprint sensor.
[0102] The apparatus 100 may display guide information 620 that
includes information of the detected fingerprint and information of
a function corresponding to the detected fingerprint on a touch
screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the apparatus 100 may
display the guide information 620 indicating that the left hand
left hand index finger fingerprint is detected and the TGC
adjustment function is set to the left hand index finger
fingerprint. Therefore, the user may easily recognize the function
that is set to the fingerprint.
[0103] When a fingerprint of the user is detected for a
predetermined time or longer, the apparatus 100 may perform a
function set to the detected fingerprint. For example, when the
guide information 620 is displayed and a fingerprint of the user is
detected for a predetermined time, the apparatus 100 may determine
that the user has an intent to perform a function corresponding to
the detected fingerprint, and thus, as shown in FIG. 6B, may
perform the TGC adjustment function and display a TGC adjustment
menu 630.
[0104] Alternatively, when the fingerprint of the user is not
detected for a predetermined time, the apparatus 100 may not
perform the function that is set to the detected fingerprint. For
example, when guide information is displayed and the user removes
the finger that was touching the touch screen, the apparatus 100
may determine that the user does not have an intent to perform a
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint, and thus, may
not display the guide information nor perform the TGC adjustment
function.
[0105] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing a method of
operating an apparatus for processing medical images when a
fingerprint of a user is detected, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the user touches a touch screen by
using a right hand index finger, the touch screen may detect a
fingerprint of the right hand index finger of the user by using a
fingerprint sensor.
[0107] When a fingerprint 710 of the right hand index finger is
detected, the apparatus 100 may display guide information 720
indicating that the fingerprint 710 is detected and the TGC
adjustment function is set to the fingerprint 710.
[0108] When the fingerprint of the right hand index finger is
detected for a predetermined time or longer, the apparatus 100 may
perform the TGC adjustment function. For example, as shown in FIG.
7B, when an ultrasound image is displayed on the touch screen, the
user may draw a TGC curve 730 by touching and dragging on the
ultrasound image based on a point 725 where the fingerprint has
been detected. Based on the TGC curve 730, the apparatus 100 may
set a TGC value according to a depth of the ultrasound image.
[0109] FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a method of assigning a
function to a combination of at least two fingerprints, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0110] The apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may
assign a function to a combination of at least two fingerprints of
a user. For example, when a first function is assigned to an index
finger fingerprint 810 of a left hand of the user and a second
function is assigned to a middle finger fingerprint 820 of the left
hand of the left hand, a third function, which is different from
the first and second functions, may be assigned to a combination of
the index finger fingerprint 810 and the middle finger fingerprint
820. The third function may be related to the first and second
functions.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, the color Doppler image photography
function may be assigned to the index finger fingerprint 810, and a
freeze function may be assigned to the middle finger fingerprint
820. In this case, a function of freezing the color Doppler image
may be assigned to the combination of the index finger fingerprint
810 and the middle finger fingerprint 820.
[0112] Accordingly, when the user touches a first key button by
using the left hand index finger and touches a second key button by
using the middle finger, the apparatus 100 may freeze the color
Doppler image and display the frozen image on the display. However,
exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Various functions
may be assigned to the combination of at least two fingerprints
according to user settings. Although FIG. 8 only illustrates an
example in which the functions are assigned only to the combination
of two fingerprints, the functions may be assigned to a combination
of three fingerprints or a combination of four fingerprints.
[0113] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for describing a method of
adjusting values by using a fingerprint of a user, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 9A, when the user touches the user input
unit 110 by using a first finger, the user input unit 110 may
detect a fingerprint of the first finger by using the fingerprint
sensor. Although FIG. 9A illustrates that the user input unit 110
is configured as a touch screen, the user input unit 110 is not
limited thereto and may be configured as a dial, etc. A function
corresponding to the detected fingerprint may be a value adjustment
function. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when a fingerprint 910
of a first finger is detected, a 2D image size adjustment menu may
be selected. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited
thereto. Any one of menus for adjusting values that are necessary
for image processing (e.g., a clear vision index menu, a gray map
menu, a frequency menu, or a TGC adjustment menu) may be
selected.
[0115] Also, when the fingerprint 910 is detected and the 2D image
size adjustment menu is selected, the user input unit 110 may
display an indicator 905 indicating a current set value, and an
increase or decrease of a value.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 9B, the apparatus 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment may adjust a value according to a rotation
direction and a rotation angle of the detected fingerprint 910. For
example, the value may decrease when the fingerprint 910 rotates
counterclockwise, and the value may increase when the fingerprint
910 rotates clockwise. The value may decrease or increase by a
predetermined value when the fingerprint 910 rotates by a
predetermined angle. For example, the value may decrease or
increase by 5 when the fingerprint 910 rotates by 10.degree..
Adjusted values 921 and 922 may be displayed on the touch screen or
the display.
[0117] Whenever a detected fingerprint rotates by an angle, the
apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may adjust an
increased or decreased value according to a menu selected with
respect to the detected fingerprint. For example, when the selected
menu is a menu for adjusting a value within a large range (e.g.,
the 2D image size adjustment menu may have a size range of 10 to
100), the value may decrease or increase by 5 whenever a detected
fingerprint rotates by 10.degree.. Alternatively, when the selected
menu is a menu for adjusting the value within a small range (e.g.,
a clear vision index adjustment menu may have an index range of 1
to 5), the value may decrease or increase by 1 whenever the
detected fingerprint rotates by 10.degree..
[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment, a function set to a
second finger fingerprint of the user may be the same as a function
set to the first finger fingerprint of the user. For example, even
when the second finger fingerprint is detected, the 2D image size
adjustment menu may be selected. When the second finger fingerprint
is detected and the 2d image size adjustment menu is selected, the
apparatus 100 may adjust the value according to a rotation
direction and a rotation angle of the second finger fingerprint. In
the same manner as the first finger fingerprint, the value may
decrease when the second finger fingerprint rotates
counterclockwise, and the value may increase when the second finger
fingerprint rotates clockwise. Alternatively, unlike the first
finger fingerprint, the value may decrease when the second finger
fingerprint rotates clockwise, and the value may increase when the
second finger fingerprint rotates counterclockwise.
[0119] The apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may
be set such that the value increases or decreases differently
according to detected fingerprints even when the detected
fingerprints are rotated by an identical angle and an identical
menu is selected with respect to the detected fingerprints.
[0120] For example, when the second finger fingerprint is detected,
unlike the case of the first finger fingerprint in which the value
decreases or increases by 5 whenever the fingerprint rotates by
10.degree., the apparatus 100 may decrease or increase the value by
2 whenever the second finger fingerprint rotates by 10.degree..
[0121] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams of an example in which
different functions are performed according to a direction of a
fingerprint detected by an apparatus for processing medical images
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0122] The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may
perform different functions according to the direction of the
detected fingerprint.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 10A, when the user touches the user input
110 by using the first finger in a first direction, the user input
unit 110 may detect a first finger fingerprint 1010 in the first
direction by using the fingerprint sensor. The apparatus 100 may
perform a first function that corresponds to the detected first
finger fingerprint 1010 in the first direction. The first function
may be an S-Detect function that is for detecting lesions and
analyzing characteristics of the detection lesions.
[0124] Accordingly, when the first finger fingerprint in the first
direction is detected, the apparatus 100 may display an S-Detect
execution screen on the display.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 10B, when the user touches the user input
110 by using the first finger in a second direction, the user input
unit 110 may detect a first finger fingerprint 1020 in the second
direction by using the fingerprint sensor. The apparatus 100 may
perform a second function that corresponds to the detected first
finger fingerprint 1020 in the second direction. The second
function may be an elastoscan for breast (E-Breast) function. The
E-Breast function is used to detect a tumor and diagnosing the
tumor, and a color bar is provided. An average strain value in a
frame of an ultrasound image may be set to a median of the color
bar. Based on the median, an area with a large strain value may be
detected as a soft area, and an area with a small strain value may
be detected as a hard area. The median area may be shown in green,
the soft area may be shown in blue, and the hard area may be shown
in red. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0126] Accordingly, when the first finger fingerprint 1020 in the
second direction is detected, the apparatus 100 may display, on the
display, an elastoscan image according to the above-described color
bar.
[0127] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example in which different
functions are performed as a fingerprint detected by an apparatus
for processing medical images rotates, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 11, when the user touches the user input
unit 110 by using a first finger, the user input unit 110 may
detect a fingerprint 1110 of the first finger by using the
fingerprint sensor. A first function corresponding to the detected
fingerprint 1110 may be the S-Detect function. Then, the apparatus
100 may display, on the touch screen or the display, guide
information 1120 indicating that the first function corresponding
to the fingerprint 1110 is the S-Detect function. Also, when the
user touches the user input unit 110 by using the first finger and
rotates the first finger clockwise or counterclockwise, the
apparatus 100 may further display guide information 1130 and 1140
indicating that another function may be performed.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, when the user rotates the first finger
clockwise by a first angle while touching the user input unit 110
with the first finger, the apparatus 100 may perform a second
function. The second function may include, but is not limited to,
the PW-Mode function for capturing a power Doppler image.
[0130] Alternatively, when the user rotates the first finger
clockwise by a second angle while touching the user input unit 110
with the first finger, the apparatus 100 may perform a third
function. The third function may include, but is not limited to,
the E-Breast function.
[0131] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method of operating an apparatus
for processing medical images, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 12, the apparatus 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment may be store fingerprints that respectively
correspond to functions (S1210).
[0133] The apparatus 100 may store the fingerprints that
respectively correspond to the functions that are performed to
process the medical images. The functions may include, but is not
limited to, the Doppler image photography function (the color
Doppler image photography function or the power Doppler image
photography function), the pulse wave measurement function, the
freeze function, the TGC adjustment function, the focus selection
function, the parameter measurement function, the storage function,
the S-Detect function, and the E-Breast function.
[0134] For example, the apparatus 100 may set a thumb fingerprint
of a first user as a fingerprint corresponding to a first function
from among the functions, and set an index finger fingerprint of
the first user as a fingerprint corresponding to a second function
from among the functions. Also, a combination of the index finger
fingerprint and a middle finger fingerprint of the first user may
be set as a fingerprint corresponding to a third function.
[0135] The apparatus 100 may detect a fingerprint of the user
(S1220).
[0136] For example, the apparatus 100 may include a fingerprint
sensor and detect the fingerprint of the user by using the
fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor may be included in a
touch screen, a touch panel, a key button, a knob button, a
trackball, a dial, etc.
[0137] The apparatus 100 may perform a function that corresponds to
the detected fingerprint (S1230).
[0138] For example, the apparatus 100 may perform a first function
that corresponds to a first fingerprint when the first fingerprint
is detected, and perform a second function that corresponds to a
second fingerprint when the second fingerprint is detected. Also,
the apparatus 100 may perform a third function when the first and
second fingerprints are simultaneously detected.
[0139] Also, when the function corresponding to the detected
fingerprint is a function of adjusting a value, the apparatus 100
may adjust the value according to a rotation direction and a
rotation angle of the detected fingerprint. For example, when the
detected fingerprint is the first fingerprint, the apparatus 100
may increase or decrease the value by a first value when the first
fingerprint rotates by a predetermined angle. When the detected
fingerprint is the second fingerprint, the apparatus 100 may
increase or decrease the value when the second fingerprint rotates
by a predetermined angle.
[0140] The apparatus 100 may perform a function different from the
function corresponding to the detected fingerprint, based on the
rotation direction and the rotation angle of the detected
fingerprint.
[0141] The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and the method of
operating the same according to the exemplary embodiments can also
be embodied as computer-readable codes on a non-transitory
computer-readable recording medium. The non-transitory
computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that
can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.
Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM),
CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage
devices, etc. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so
that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a
distributive manner.
[0142] It should be understood that exemplary embodiments described
herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within
each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as
available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary
embodiments.
[0143] While one or more exemplary embodiments have been described
with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *